Lawmaker to donate raise

A Madison-area state lawmaker says he will donate his $2500 pay raise to charity. State Representative Brett Davis (R-Oregon) says in a time when families and small business are struggling, "we're all in this together."

Davis plans to divide the pay increase he'll receive, among nearby charities in Dane, Green, Lafayette and Rock Counties. The Republican is focusing on groups with an economic development component to "help people get back on their feet."

He says he'll to talk to an accountant to determine whether he'll be able to donate the full pay raise or only the portion that is left after taxes.

State Representative Bob Ziegelbauer (D-Manitowoc) and State Senator Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton) also plan to refuse the pay raise.